New Coin Photography System

[rmpsrpms]

I have created a new coin photography system based on a couple of prototypes synergized into a system with excellent range and image quality.

 

The first system I built many years ago was a very flexible one that I named "Santoku", which means "three uses" in Japanese. First use was with bellows; Second use was with a Bausch & Lomb Monozoom-7 microscope; and Third use was with direct mounting of camera and macro lens. The stand provided the function of a fine-focus capable copy stand.

 

A few years later, on another forum, a member asked how to put together a coin photography system for <$400. I replied with a recommendation for camera, lens, focusing helicoid, etc that came out to <$400 and could provide excellent image quality. The recommendation included a small Tripod for mounting the camera, since the copy stand alone would blow the $400 budget.

 

I have now (finally) combined the two systems into one...Santoku stand, with camera, helicoid and lens like the <$400 system. I'm including a better lens than was originally specified (originally Nikon 75mm El-Nikkor; new offering Rodenstock 75mm Apo Rodagon D), and along with the stand this makes the system much more than $400, but for a camera, fine focus copy stand, and high quality macro lens, this is still a pretty good bargain.

 

Santoku is my Example System-7 on my website. Here's a link to show some of the features of Santoku

http://www.macrocoins.com/santoku.html

 

This link is to the original <$400 setup thread, which is still very active on the other forum:

https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=158182

 

And here is a link to a thread with some posts regarding the first Santoku I sold, configured with a bellows:

https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=156715

 

Santoku can be adjusted to frame the full range of US coins, from a bit larger than ASE's down to 3-Cent Silver (at 1:1 magnification).

 

The Santoku system is $635, and includes:

Canon Rebel XS DSLR with Live View control and Image Editing Software

Focusing Helicoid

Rodenstock 75mm Apo Rodagon D 1:1 macro lens (fixed aperture version)

Camera and lens adapters

Modified Bausch & Lomb microscope Copy Stand

This system give functionality of a Camera, Macro Lens, and Copy Stand, so represents a pretty good value. I can also provide Santoku without Camera for $485, allowing you to use your own Canon or Nikon camera with it.